New Zealand's unique ecosystem is one of its greatest assets, but also its greatest vulnerability. With no natural predators and isolated evolution, our environment is particularly susceptible to foreign pests, diseases, and invasive species. That's why New Zealand maintains some of the strictest biosecurity measures in the world.

For small businesses importing goods into New Zealand, understanding these biosecurity rules isn't just about compliance—it's essential to your business operations and supply chain. At the heart of this system are Approved Transitional Facilities (ATFs), the critical checkpoints where imported goods pause on their journey into New Zealand to ensure they don't bring along unwanted hitchhikers.

But what exactly is an ATF? How do you find one? And how can small businesses navigate this complex regulatory landscape without breaking the bank? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ATFs—without the hassle, the risk, or the hidden costs.

What is an Approved Transitional Facility (ATF)?

An Approved Transitional Facility (ATF) is a location that has been formally vetted and approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to temporarily hold, inspect, and process imported goods that may pose a biosecurity risk before they receive full clearance to enter New Zealand.

In simpler terms, ATFs are secure "transition zones" where your imports stay while they're checked for any potential biosecurity threats such as:

• Pests and insects
• Plant diseases
• Animal diseases
• Soil contaminants
• Prohibited organic materials

Every container that enters New Zealand with risk goods must first go to an ATF where it can be safely opened, inspected, and processed according to strict protocols. This crucial step ensures that New Zealand's agriculture, horticulture, and native ecosystems remain protected from potentially devastating biosecurity threats.

Why ATFs Matter for Small Business Importers

For small businesses importing products into New Zealand, ATFs aren't optional—they're a mandatory step in your supply chain. Here's why they matter:

1. Legal Requirement: All imported goods that may pose a biosecurity risk must be processed through an ATF before they can enter the New Zealand market.
2. Protection Against Penalties: Failing to comply with biosecurity requirements can result in significant fines, seizure of goods, or even criminal charges.
3. Supply Chain Security: Proper ATF processing helps ensure your imports aren't delayed or rejected at the border, providing predictability for your business operations.
4. Reputation Management: Demonstrating commitment to biosecurity compliance reinforces your business's reputation for responsibility and reliability.
5. Risk Mitigation: Professional handling at ATFs reduces the risk of pest infestation or contamination that could damage your products.

Understanding New Zealand's Biosecurity Framework

New Zealand's biosecurity system is governed primarily by the Biosecurity Act 1993, which gives MPI broad powers to prevent potentially harmful organisms from entering the country. This regulatory framework creates multiple defensive layers:

Pre-Border Measures

• Import health standards
• Risk assessments
• International agreements

Border Measures

• Passenger and luggage screening
• Mail and cargo inspections
• Documentation verification

Post-Border Measures

• Transitional facilities (ATFs)
• Containment facilities
• Surveillance programs

ATFs fall into the post-border category, serving as a critical second line of defense for incoming cargo. They provide a controlled environment where goods can be systematically processed according to MPI requirements before receiving biosecurity clearance.

Finding and Using Approved Transitional Facilities

Where to Find Approved Transitional Facilities

MPI maintains a comprehensive list of approved transitional facilities throughout New Zealand. Most facilities are approved only for specific commodities, with only a few capable of handling all types of products. Here's how to find the right facility for your needs:

1. MPI's Official List: Access the list of approved transitional facilities on the MPI website.
2. Specialized Lists: For specific needs, MPI provides separate lists:
   • Transitional facilities approved for unloading containers
   • Facilities approved for hubbing
   • Approved PEQ (Plant Exclusion Quarantine) facilities
3. Industry Associations: Organizations like the New Zealand Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation (CBAFF) can provide guidance on finding appropriate facilities.
4. Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders: These professionals often have established relationships with ATFs and can recommend suitable options based on your specific needs.

How to Use Transitional Facilities

Using an ATF involves several key steps:

1. Pre-Arrival Planning: Before your goods arrive in New Zealand, identify and contact an appropriate ATF that can handle your specific commodity type.
2. Documentation Preparation: Ensure all necessary import documentation is complete and accurate, including:
   • Import Entry or Electronic Cargo Information (ECI)
   • Supplier declarations
   • Certificates of origin
   • Commercial invoices
   • Packing lists
   • Any specific permits required for your goods
3. Facility Booking: Schedule processing at the ATF, providing details about your shipment, expected arrival time, and any special handling requirements.
4. Transport Arrangement: Coordinate transportation from the port to the ATF, ensuring the carrier understands biosecurity requirements.
5. Inspection and Processing: At the ATF, your goods will undergo:
   • Physical inspection for pests, soil, or other contaminants
   • Documentation verification
   • Treatment if required (fumigation, cleaning, etc.)
   • Sampling for laboratory testing if necessary
6. Clearance and Release: Once MPI is satisfied that your goods meet all biosecurity requirements, they'll issue a Biosecurity Authority/Clearance Certificate (BACC), allowing your goods to enter New Zealand.
7. Delivery to Final Destination: After receiving clearance, your goods can be transported to their final destination.

The Costs of Using Approved Transitional Facilities

For small businesses, understanding the costs associated with ATFs is crucial for budgeting and planning. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

ATF Service Fees

ATF operators charge for their services, typically including:

1. Handling Fees: Usually calculated based on shipment size, container type, or hourly rates
2. Inspection Fees: Costs for physical examination of your goods
3. Storage Fees: Often charged daily if goods remain at the facility
4. Treatment Costs: Additional fees for fumigation, cleaning, or other required treatments

These fees vary widely depending on the facility, location, and types of goods being processed. Always request a detailed quote from your chosen ATF before proceeding.

MPI Charges and Government Fees

In addition to ATF service fees, you may need to pay:

1. Biosecurity System Entry Levy: Current rate of $26.45 (including GST) applies to imports subject to the Import Entry Transaction Fee
2. MPI Inspection Charges: Hourly rate of $155.50 (excluding GST) or $178.83 (including GST) for inspections
3. Documentation Processing Fees: Charges for issuing clearance certificates and other biosecurity documentation
4. Treatment Verification Costs: Fees for MPI to verify any required treatments

Transfer Fees

If you need to move goods between facilities, you'll incur additional charges:

• Application to Transfer Goods: Charged at an hourly rate of $155.50 (excluding GST), with a minimum charge of 15 minutes per application

Becoming an Approved Transitional Facility: Is It Worth It?

Small businesses frequently face a critical decision: Should you set up your own ATF or use an existing one? Here's what to consider:

Setting Up Your Own ATF: Costs and Requirements

Initial Setup Costs

Based on current figures, the initial investment includes:

1. Application Fee: $1,244.00 (excluding GST) or $1,430.60 (including GST)
2. Site Approval Visit: $311 plus travel costs
3. Facility Manual Preparation: Approximately 8 hours of staff time
4. Training Costs:
   • Transitional Facility Operator Training: Approximately $400-$450 per person
   • Accredited Person Training (minimum 2 required): Around $200 per person
5. Equipment: Approximately $650 for biosecurity equipment (signs, vests, etc.)

Total Initial Investment: Approximately $3,000-$3,500 (excluding GST) plus 25-30 hours of staff time.

Ongoing Annual Costs

1. Annual Facility Fee: $453.18 (excluding GST) or $521.16 (including GST)
2. Audit Fees: Approximately $310 plus travel costs
3. Refresher Training: Both operator and accredited persons require refresher training every two years
4. Staff Time: For internal audits, MPI audits, manual updates, and compliance management
5. Equipment Maintenance: Ongoing costs to maintain required equipment

Total Annual Cost: Approximately $1,700-$2,000 per year plus staff time.

Using an Existing ATF or MTF Service

For many small businesses, using an existing ATF or a Multi-site Transitional Facility (MTF) service is more cost-effective:

1. No Setup Costs: Avoid the significant initial investment
2. No Annual Compliance Costs: No recurring fees for facility approval and audits
3. Flexible Usage: Pay only when you have shipments to process
4. Reduced Administrative Burden: No need to maintain manuals, conduct internal audits, or manage MPI relationships
5. Expert Handling: Benefit from the facility's established processes and experienced staff

Typical Costs When Using an External ATF

• Handling Fee: $250-$500 per container (varies by provider)
• Storage: Often a daily rate after an initial free period
• Treatment Costs: Only if required (e.g., fumigation can cost $500+)

For businesses with infrequent imports, using an established ATF typically costs much less than maintaining your own facility.

Challenges Small Businesses Face with ATFs

Small businesses often encounter several challenges when navigating the ATF system:

1. Knowledge Gap

Understanding complex biosecurity requirements and processes can be overwhelming without dedicated compliance staff.

2. Cost Barriers

The financial investment required to establish and maintain an ATF can be prohibitive for small operations.

3. Administrative Burden

The paperwork, training, and ongoing compliance management consume valuable time and resources.

4. Logistical Complexities

Coordinating with multiple parties (shipping lines, carriers, customs brokers, ATFs, and MPI) requires careful planning and communication.

5. Capacity Constraints

During peak import seasons, ATF availability can become limited, potentially causing delays.

Smart Solutions for Small Businesses

Fortunately, several options exist to help small businesses navigate these challenges:

1. Multi-site Transitional Facilities (MTF)

MTFs offer a cost-effective alternative to establishing your own ATF. Companies like IVS Limited provide MTF services where:

• You become an approved MTF site under their umbrella
• They handle much of the documentation and compliance
• You pay significantly reduced setup and annual fees
• MPI interactions are managed by the MTF provider

Comparing costs:

• Traditional ATF: Approximately $3,000+ setup and $1,700+ annual costs
• MTF Service: Approximately $300 setup and $200 annual costs, plus per-container fees

2. Freight Forwarders with Integrated ATF Services

Many freight forwarders offer comprehensive services that include ATF processing as part of their package. This one-stop solution simplifies your supply chain and often provides better rates through economies of scale.

3. Shared Facilities

Some industry groups or business clusters share ATF facilities, distributing the costs across multiple users while maintaining the benefits of having dedicated access.

4. Consultation Services

Professional biosecurity consultants can help navigate the system, optimizing your approach based on your specific import profile and budget.

How Epic Sourcing Connects Small Businesses with Affordable ATF Solutions

At Epic Sourcing, we understand the challenges small businesses face when importing products into New Zealand. That's why we've made it our mission to simplify the process by connecting you with affordable and reliable ATF solutions.

Our Approach to Biosecurity Compliance

We believe that small businesses shouldn't have to choose between compliance and affordability. Our team works with you to:

1. Assess Your Needs: We analyze your import volume, frequency, and product types to determine the most cost-effective ATF solution.
2. Connect You with the Right Partners: Through our extensive network, we identify ATF providers that offer the best balance of service quality and cost for your specific requirements.
3. Streamline Documentation: Our experts help ensure your import documentation is complete and accurate, reducing the risk of delays or issues at the ATF.
4. Coordinate Logistics: We manage the coordination between shipping lines, carriers, and ATFs to create a seamless import process.
5. Monitor Compliance: Our team stays up-to-date with changing biosecurity requirements, helping you adapt before issues arise.

Our Network of Affordable ATF Solutions

Epic Sourcing has established relationships with multiple ATF providers throughout New Zealand, including:

• Independent ATF Operators: Smaller facilities that offer competitive rates and personalized service
• MTF Service Providers: Cost-effective solutions for businesses with occasional imports
• Integrated Logistics Providers: One-stop solutions that combine transportation, customs clearance, and ATF processing

By leveraging our network and negotiated rates, we help small businesses access ATF services at prices typically only available to larger importers.

Practical Tips for Navigating the ATF Process

Based on our experience helping countless small businesses, here are some practical tips for navigating the ATF process effectively:

1. Plan Ahead

Begin researching ATF options well before your shipment arrives. During busy periods, facilities can book up quickly.

2. Be Thorough with Documentation

Complete and accurate documentation streamlines the ATF process and reduces the risk of delays or additional charges.

3. Consider Consolidation

If possible, consolidate smaller shipments to minimize the number of separate ATF processes and associated fees.

4. Build Relationships

Establishing ongoing relationships with specific ATF providers often leads to better service, faster processing, and sometimes preferential rates.

5. Stay Informed

Biosecurity requirements change periodically. Subscribe to MPI updates or work with partners like Epic Sourcing who monitor these changes.

6. Budgeting Wisely

Factor ATF costs into your product pricing to ensure these necessary expenses don't erode your margins.

7. Ask About Discounts

Some ATFs offer discounts for regular customers or during off-peak seasons.

Conclusion: Protecting New Zealand While Supporting Small Business

New Zealand's biosecurity system, while necessarily strict, doesn't have to be an insurmountable barrier for small businesses. With the right knowledge, partners, and approach, you can navigate the ATF process efficiently and cost-effectively.

At Epic Sourcing, we're committed to connecting small businesses with affordable ATF solutions that ensure biosecurity compliance without breaking the bank. Our expertise in the import process and extensive network of partners allows us to simplify what can otherwise be a complex and costly aspect of bringing products into New Zealand.

Whether you're a first-time importer or looking to optimize your existing import process, we're here to help you navigate New Zealand's biosecurity requirements—without the hassle, the risk, or the hidden costs.

Ready to simplify your import process? Contact Epic Sourcing today to discuss how we can connect you with affordable ATF solutions tailored to your business needs.